A SEVERELY disabled mother-of-one competing in a gruelling 5k charity run this weekend is calling on kind-hearted Visiter readers to sponsor her.

Doctors have warned Kelly Owen, 24, she may die competing in the Race For Life at Aintree Racecourse tomorrow (Saturday).

So severe is her brittle asthma condition that she has been unable to train or leave her Argameols Close home to raise sponsorship money.

Kelly has raised just a fifth of her £500 target for Cancer Research UK and is pleading with local businesses and residents to come forward with assistance.

She told the Visiter: “Obviously, the race is a determination to fight my illness and not let it stop me doing what I want to. But it is also about raising money to find a cure for cancer, which is something that affects everyone.

“I haven’t got anywhere near where I aimed to raise so I would love it if Visiter readers could help me reach my target.”

Kelly fell ill in November 2006 when her brother found her struggling to breathe on the kitchen floor. She didn’t respond to medication and only survived when a quick-thinking doctor made makeshift breathing apparatus.

Now, in a determined bid to stand up to her debilitating illness, Kelly is going against medical and family advice by even taking part in the race.

She said: “If I run the whole of the race it’s very likely my lungs will fail me so I’m going to run what I can and walk the rest, even if it takes me a couple of hours to finish.

“I’m quite scared about this race now it’s getting nearer but I’m more determined than ever to complete it and show that this illness can’t stop me from doing what I want to do.”

Kelly’s two-year old son Tyler will be cheering from the sidelines, whilst her friend will accompany her on the run with a backpack of medication and a Nebuliser.

To sponsor Kelly, either donate online at www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/kellyowen1983, sign the form at the Visiter office on Tulketh Street or telephone 01704 547188.